AUS_HS_Handbook2016-17 rev 9.4.16
AMERICAN UNITED SCHOOL OF KUWAIT المتحدة مدرسة الكویت في الأمیركیة 2016 - 2017 HIGH SCHOOL HANDBOOK
- Page 2 and 3: CONTENTS Introduction..............
- Page 4 and 5: High School Core Values Core Value
- Page 6 and 7: 6
- Page 8 and 9: Study Trips In order for a student
- Page 10 and 11: American United School strives to t
- Page 12 and 13: efrain from writing on, marking, de
- Page 14 and 15: Drug or Alcohol Distribution Alcoho
- Page 16 and 17: Uniform Violation Students not wear
- Page 18 and 19: School Bus Disciplinary Plan The pr
- Page 20 and 21: 5. The number of days allowed to ma
- Page 22 and 23: Students will receive a progress re
- Page 24 and 25: High School Overview 1. The goal of
- Page 26 and 27: Declaration of Reading the Handbook
AMERICAN UNITED SCHOOL OF KUWAIT<br />
المتحدة مدرسة<br />
الكویت في الأمیركیة<br />
2016 - 20<strong>17</strong> HIGH SCHOOL HANDBOOK
CONTENTS<br />
Introduction.......................................................................................................................................................................3<br />
Mission .........................................................................................................................................................................3<br />
Vision............................................................................................................................................................................. 3<br />
Our Guiding Principles .................................................................................................................................................. 3<br />
High School Core Values ............................................................................................................................................... 4<br />
Quick Facts .................................................................................................................................................................... 4<br />
Letter from the Principal............................................................................................................................................... 5<br />
Academics ...........................................................................................................................................................................<br />
Academic Integrity ........................................................................................................................................................ 7<br />
Core Courses ................................................................................................................................................................. 8<br />
Fine Arts and Technology.............................................................................................................................................. 8<br />
Enrichment Period ........................................................................................................................................................ 8<br />
Learning Support........................................................................................................................................................... 8<br />
Advisory......................................................................................................................................................................... 9<br />
Student Conduct ........................................................................................................................................................... 9<br />
Extra-Curricular Activities ........................................................................................................................................... 12<br />
Discipline Guidelines...................................................................................................................................................12<br />
Grading Policy ................................................................................................................................................................. 18<br />
Rationale..........................................................................................................................................................................18<br />
Grading Elements.............................................................................................................................................................18<br />
Reporting and Recording Grades......................................................................................................................................18<br />
Grading – Excused Absences........................................................................................................................................... 19<br />
Grading – Unexcused Absences........................................................................................................................................20<br />
Determining Final Grades.................................................................................................................................................20<br />
Grade Point Average (GPA) ..............................................................................................................................................22<br />
Report Cards ....................................................................................................................................................................23<br />
Parent Conferences..........................................................................................................................................................23<br />
Homework .......................................................................................................................................................................23<br />
High School Overview......................................................................................................................................................24<br />
APPENDIX....................................................................................................................................................................25<br />
2016 – 20<strong>17</strong> High School Academic Calendar.............................................................................................................25<br />
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INTRODUCTION<br />
Mission<br />
The American United School is a co-educational private school, combining 21st century digital technology and traditional<br />
student-centered learning practices to ensure that students achieve academic success and social growth.<br />
Vision<br />
To provide an outstanding American education that enables students to be inspired lifelong learners and responsible<br />
global citizens.<br />
Our Guiding Principles<br />
LEARNING – ANYPLACE, ANYWHERE AND ANYTIME<br />
At <strong>AUS</strong> we believe learning is not confined to a classroom or a campus—it should be available whe<strong>rev</strong>er and whenever the<br />
learner needs it<br />
∑ At <strong>AUS</strong> we continually demonstrate how to be a caring community of learners— our students, teachers, staff and<br />
families are committed to educating the whole child<br />
∑ Our School community acknowledges and recognizes the personal, cultural and social value of each individual<br />
∑ Technology is an integral part of students’ lives, expectations, and the future – this cannot be ignored but rather<br />
explored with a deep sense of intellectual inquiry<br />
∑ <strong>AUS</strong> is dedicated to the future global success for this planet which depends on having a diverse, well-educated<br />
workforce and citizenry.<br />
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High School Core Values<br />
Core Value 1: Compassion, We Believe…<br />
∑ It is our responsibility to teach students that life is a calling of service to others.<br />
∑ The act of being through community service and humanitarian outreach enriches the lives of our students.<br />
∑ The act of being through community service and humanitarian outreach enriches the lives we serve.<br />
∑ Giving of oneself is more than a responsibility. It is a privilege.<br />
∑ Something larger than self, recognizes true potential, finding real happiness and fulfillment through service to others.<br />
Core Value 2: Respect, We Believe…<br />
∑ Embracing the diversity of our student population, staff, and community strengthens our community.<br />
∑ Always be aware of and honor others’ feelings, rights, and perspectives.<br />
∑ Every person has equal and inherent value.<br />
∑ Demonstrate concern and understanding for the growth and development of others.<br />
∑ Value and support everyone’s worth and dignity, being ready to learn from the guidance of adult and student leaders.<br />
Core Value 3: Integrity, We Believe…<br />
∑ Integrity and honesty are essential to ensuring a safe and secure learning environments.<br />
∑ Choose words and actions that are sincere, trustworthy, and honorable.<br />
∑ Be courageous, remain dedicated and self-controlled, even when challenged.<br />
∑ Be committed, disciplined, and resilient.<br />
Core Value 4: Responsibility, We Believe…<br />
∑ Everyone is responsible for their choices, being aware and careful of the decisions made.<br />
∑ Being helpful embraces opportunities to contribute and advance positive goals in family, school, and community.<br />
∑ Students take responsibility for their own actions.<br />
∑ Accountability, perseverance, and reliability are essential to life-long learning.<br />
∑ Practice ethical decision making proves others can depend on you.<br />
Core Value 5: Excellence, We Believe…<br />
∑ Striving for excellence is vital to our success.<br />
∑ Developing creative solutions and putting them into action.<br />
∑ Learn by continuously developing and deepening our knowledge, skills, and leadership abilities.<br />
∑ Achieve excellence through innovation, advanced use of technology, and establishing our self as… The Better Choice!<br />
To implement our High School Philosophy and to achieve our stated Core Values, we establish and promote:<br />
∑ Strong bonds established in Advisory.<br />
∑ Collaborative teams of teachers who meet regularly about student progress.<br />
∑ Ongoing teacher professional development.<br />
∑ Interdisciplinary and collaborative teaching.<br />
∑ Core values - teaching about, maintaining, and modeling<br />
∑ Facilities to meet the needs of middle school students.<br />
∑ Classrooms and spaces that facilitate active, collaborative learning.<br />
Quick Facts<br />
School Hours<br />
7:30 a.m.- 2:45 p.m.<br />
Founding Director<br />
Jennifer Beckwith, Ph.D<br />
j.beckwith@aus.edu.kw<br />
Principal<br />
Saroya N. Pendleton-Brown<br />
s.brown@aus.edu.kw<br />
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Associate Director of Teaching & Learning<br />
Mona Fairley<br />
m.fairley@aus.edu.kw<br />
Associate Director of Technology and Accountability<br />
Michael Wininger<br />
M.wininger@aus.edu.kw<br />
American United School<br />
Sabah Al Salem Area, Block 1<br />
Intersection of 6th Ring Road & Fahaheel Expressway<br />
Telephone: (+965) 25530150<br />
Fax: (+965) 25530154<br />
Website: www.auskuwait.com<br />
Letter from the Principal<br />
Dear Prospective <strong>AUS</strong> High School Students,<br />
Whether you are entering this school year as a ninth grader, rising 10 th grader, or coming in as a transfer student,<br />
I would like to welcome you and share this amazing <strong>HS</strong> Enrollment Handbook that will assist you in course selection and your<br />
high school journey. Think of this Enrollment Handbook as a guide to helping you not only select your courses but also<br />
chart your path through high school. The classes you take at <strong>AUS</strong> are very important as they play a major role in preparing you<br />
for college and life beyond high school. Like any comprehensive high school, <strong>AUS</strong> maintains a wide range of offerings<br />
that will help you to not only strengthen your academics but also discover your passion. We are proud of the courses described<br />
in this handbook and confident that we represent the very best of what a high school can offer. The policies and procedures in<br />
this handbook clearly aims to ensure an effective and productive partnership between students, parents and school personnel.<br />
Many of the choices you make will influence the options available to you in the future. At <strong>AUS</strong>, we always emphasize<br />
taking the most rigorous courses that will challenge you and improve learning opportunities. Such environments not only<br />
supports academic success and the physical well-being of students, but also supports their continued development into young<br />
adulthood, building good character and high self-esteem. Students have the opportunity and responsibility to participate in<br />
sports and/or student activities, and to follow rules of conduct and procedures stipulated in this handbook. We expect that all<br />
of us will treat one another fairly and with a deep concern for the positive values of our school community. It is imperative all<br />
students comply with all the safety precautions that have been established for this school year. Stated simply; school faculty,<br />
staff, and administrative members are charged by the <strong>AUS</strong> District with providing students with the most rigorous and<br />
comprehensive educational opportunities that available resources allow.<br />
Ultimately it is the <strong>AUS</strong> Core Values: Compassion, Respect, Integrity, Responsibility and Excellence, coupled with our<br />
commitment to a safe, respectful community underlying the written document that is of prime importance. It is this document<br />
which is the vehicle for guiding our interactions in regard to the policies and procedures contained in this handbook. At <strong>AUS</strong>, we<br />
are committed to meeting these important obligations for all <strong>AUS</strong> students. Therefore, I would be remiss if I failed to mention a<br />
priority issue and concern about attendance and tardiness. It is absolutely essential that students are at school on time and that<br />
they are in attendance for their classes; excessive absences or tardiness will seriously undermine their learning, their ability to<br />
successfully pass required <strong>AUS</strong> assessments, and/or affect their normal matriculation through high school.<br />
I hope and expect that you will invest a substantial amount of effort in your schoolwork. Students find that they become<br />
enthusiastic supporters of all programs by getting involved in our many extra-curricular activities. I implore you to take<br />
advantage of all the opportunities that are available to you, so that your experience in high school is rewarding!<br />
Finally, I encourage you to <strong>rev</strong>iew this handbook with your parents and to consult your counselor as to which path makes<br />
most sense for you. Being independent and taking ownership is what high school is all about, but it is important to know<br />
that experts are available when you need them. All the best to you and I look forward to meeting you when you arrive here at<br />
<strong>AUS</strong>… A Better Choice!<br />
Ms. Saroya N. Pendleton-Brown<br />
<strong>AUS</strong> High School Principal<br />
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A complete list of academic courses offered can be found in the High School Course Description Guide. It is located under the<br />
ACADEMIC link on our website.<br />
Academic Integrity<br />
Students are expected to have integrity and self-discipline and to display respect for themselves, others,<br />
and the school. The school considers any incident of academic cheating or plagiarism very seriously.<br />
Examples include:<br />
∑<br />
∑<br />
∑<br />
∑<br />
copying another student’s class work or homework;<br />
asking another student questions during a test or copying another student’s test answers;<br />
allowing a student to copy one’s own homework or giving another student test answers;<br />
turning in any material claimed as one’s own but coming from another source (for example, copying<br />
material from an online resource without crediting the source).<br />
These actions are dishonest and unacceptable. Academic dishonesty is one of the most serious violations<br />
of school expectations and may result in expulsion.<br />
Many colleges require the secondary school to report incidents of academic dishonesty to them when the<br />
student is applying to the college for acceptance.<br />
Acceptable Use Policy (Technology)<br />
Student are expected to read and sign the Acceptable Use Policy (AUP). If they break the agreement, the<br />
consequences could include suspension of computer privileges and/or disciplinary action. Students are to<br />
understand that the school network and tablets are owned by American United School and that <strong>AUS</strong> has<br />
the right to access any of the information used through the mediums provided through the school at any<br />
time.<br />
Student and Parent Portal<br />
The Portal is provided to enhance school to home and home to school communication. The primary goal<br />
is to provide an opportunity for students to take responsibility for their own learning. The Parent’s role is<br />
to engage in conversations with their student about their progress and to prompt their student to work<br />
with their teachers regarding missing assignments, improving performance, and setting goals for the<br />
future. Students and Parents are expected to be on the Portal on a daily basis.<br />
Measure of Academic Progress (MAP)<br />
Each fall, winter and spring students in the High School will take the Measure of Academic Progress (MAP)<br />
test for math, reading, and language usage. The MAP results allow teachers to get immediate feedback of<br />
their student’s areas of strength, as well as areas they need to focus their instruction. Taking the test at the<br />
beginning and end of the school year will also allow teachers and students to reflect upon student growth<br />
in these areas. More information the MAP test can be found at www.nwea.org/map.<br />
Drama/Theatre/Band<br />
All students at <strong>AUS</strong> High School have the opportunity to participate in a Drama, Theatre and Band<br />
permitting there is enough interest. If you play an instrument, or would like to, you can sign up for<br />
drama/theatre. The drama/theatre/band is involved in performances and other programs in and out of<br />
school.<br />
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Study Trips<br />
In order for a student to take part in a study trip, trip permission slips must be signed by a parent before<br />
each trip, and up-to-date health and emergency forms must be on file in the high school office.<br />
Additionally, if a student will miss class, all teachers must be notified in advance. Students are expected to<br />
comply with the rules and regulations of the place they are visiting, as well as the rules of American United<br />
School. All students are to be in Formal school uniform (blazer) while participating in the Study Trip.<br />
Core Courses<br />
Core courses are the foundational learning program of the High School experience. Each student in the High School will learn in<br />
full year core courses in Mathematics, English Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, Physical Education, and Arabic. Students of<br />
Islamic faith are required to learn the Quran in a full year course as well.<br />
Fine Arts and Technology<br />
Fine Arts courses are designed to expose high school students to visual arts, theater and music. These courses promote student<br />
creativity and develop deeper understanding of artistic concepts. In Grade 9 and 10, all students have an opportunity to select a<br />
variety of courses in art, drama, technology and music. These elective courses build on the overall foundational experience for<br />
student learning, assisting in developing more sophisticated skills and concepts in the arts and technology.<br />
Enrichment Period<br />
Enrichment Period was developed to give students 45 minutes of additional time on Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the<br />
school day for assistance in core classes in which they were experiencing academic problems. Math, English, Science, and Social<br />
Studies teachers are required to request students who have below a C average in their class to work with them during<br />
Enrichment Period. Enrichment Period was implemented at the beginning of the 2015-16 school year.<br />
Non-core teachers also have the opportunity to request students to work on various projects and performances. Priority is given<br />
to core subject teachers.<br />
Learning Support<br />
The American United School of Kuwait provides services for students who are identified as having mild learning<br />
differences. <strong>AUS</strong> does not have an expansive educational program for children with moderate or severe learning<br />
disabilities. The Student Support Team (SST) Program offered at <strong>AUS</strong>, has a qualified teacher who provides the<br />
classroom teachers with teaching strategies and accommodations (accommodations are changes in the teaching<br />
methods, environments, modalities) for all students who have been admitted into receiving learning support<br />
services. Students are admitted to receiving SST through the Student Review Team Meeting process, which takes<br />
place after a student has received identified and documented interventions from teachers. Modifications, changes in<br />
learning objectives according to the standards, are not included as part of the policy at this school. The High School<br />
SST program is primarily an inclusion service delivery model that provides three levels of academic support. Students<br />
are identified through the Student Review Team process and placed in the appropriate level of SST, based on<br />
entry/exit criteria.<br />
∑<br />
∑<br />
∑<br />
The first level is High School Success class which promotes managing the middle school workload through<br />
developing study skills, test prep strategies, learning strategies, enhancing organizational management, goalsetting<br />
and self-advocacy.<br />
The second level involves teacher support inside the classrooms and/ or additional support during the school<br />
enrichment period. This inclusion environment involves accommodation, small group direct instruction, and<br />
co-teaching with opportunities for pre-teaching and re-teaching.<br />
Based on need, a student may qualify to receive a third level of support involving assignment to a<br />
Foundational Reading/ Math course or be required to attend the Extended Learning Program (ELP) held<br />
after school on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 2:45-3:30.<br />
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Students who do not find success at the third level is assigned to the intervention teacher as case manager who will<br />
work collaboratively with the student’s classroom teachers and school administration to develop and implement the<br />
Student Action Plan.<br />
Advisory<br />
High school developers have widely promoted advisory programs as a way to strengthen connectedness at the High<br />
school level. Broadly defined, advisory programs are configurations in which an adult advisor meets regularly with a<br />
group of students to provide academic and social-emotional mentorship and support, to create personalization<br />
within the school, and to facilitate a small peer community of learners (Association of Middle & High School Level<br />
Education, 2009). In the <strong>HS</strong> Advisory Program, a small group of 10-13 students meet two times per week with an<br />
Advisory teacher from their grade level. These small, supportive groups’ help students check in with one another,<br />
gain information, get organized and successfully start their days. On Tuesday and Wednesday, grade-level Advisory<br />
groups meet for a 45-minute period in which teachers and students work together on a program designed around<br />
themes of development, service and community. Teachers use many resources in their program preparation, but our<br />
day to day interactions with students are guided by The Advisory Handbook (Linda Crawford, Origins Press, 2012).<br />
Student Conduct<br />
<strong>AUS</strong> High School Code of Conduct<br />
Expect the best! Celebrate success!<br />
Respect & Responsibility<br />
Organization & Order<br />
Caring<br />
Kindness<br />
ROCK Tickets can be given to any student who goes above and beyond what is expected. Students can<br />
exchange ROCK tickets throughout the year.<br />
Dress Code<br />
<strong>AUS</strong> High School students are to wear the school required uniform at school. The goal of the dress code is<br />
to create an environment in which all students, teachers, and staff feel comfortable; therefore, these<br />
guidelines should be taken seriously:<br />
∑<br />
∑<br />
∑<br />
Uniform must be clean, tidy, and in good repair.<br />
Hats, sunglasses and visors are not permitted.<br />
Footwear is required at all times.<br />
Those who are not properly dressed or groomed will be asked to change clothes. Parents will be notified of<br />
dress code violations. Repeated violations may result in disciplinary measures.<br />
Health<br />
Students can receive first aid in the student health office located on the basement level 1. Automated<br />
external defibrillators (AEDs) can be found in the building on campus. No prescription or over-the-counter<br />
drugs are allowed on campus unless an authorization to administer medication form is on file in the health<br />
office. The form must be signed by a parent and provides the school with the name of the medication,<br />
prescribed dosage, and other vital instructions and information.<br />
Drugs, Alcohol and Smoking<br />
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American United School strives to teach its students how to handle the problems of adolescence and<br />
society by setting, explaining, and maintaining standards. The school has clear policies on the use of drugs,<br />
alcohol, and tobacco products. It is essential that everyone involved with the life of the school community<br />
understand them. The use, sale, or possession of drugs or alcohol on campus or at any school function,<br />
including school-sponsored trips, even during vacation time, is prohibited. This includes attending any<br />
school function under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Breaking this rule may result in expulsion.<br />
Smoking and other tobacco use is not permitted on the campus, on the surrounding streets, on any school<br />
bus, or when students are representing the school in public. The possession of drugs by anyone and the<br />
purchase of alcohol or tobacco by minors are illegal and against school policy.<br />
Discipline Policy<br />
The school has the right to impose discipline and penalties for conduct occurring both on and off campus.<br />
The violation of certain rules in this handbook may occur in either context. In addition, off-campus<br />
behavior may be punished when it constitutes a major rules infraction, is a violation of the basic standards<br />
of ethics and morality, or constitutes a criminal offense (whether or not the student is charged with a<br />
crime).<br />
Multiple minor infractions may be treated cumulatively as a major infraction. A student who has<br />
committed multiple minor infractions is subject to all of the penalties in this handbook, including<br />
detention, loss of privilege, suspension, probation, and expulsion.<br />
Suspension<br />
Violation of school rules may result in suspension from school. Students must be prepared to turn in<br />
homework. Additionally, students who have assessments during days when they are suspended will take<br />
those assessments on the day they return to school. Suspended students who have assessments scheduled<br />
for the day they return will not be offered extensions.<br />
Probation<br />
Students whose behavior demonstrates serious or recurring disregard for the spirit of the rules and<br />
expectations of the American United School community will be placed on probation. During the specified<br />
length of time they are on disciplinary probation, students who commit a subsequent major rules violation<br />
are likely to be expelled from school.<br />
Expulsion<br />
The Administration of the middle school may recommend expulsion for a serious violation, even on the<br />
first offense, if a student’s continued presence is deleterious to American United School or to the student/s<br />
involved. When expulsion is recommended, a student is automatically suspended. During the suspension<br />
period, the Administration of the middle school will <strong>rev</strong>iew the matter with those involved before reaching<br />
a decision.<br />
Bullying<br />
Bullying behavior is defined as cruel or hostile behaviors involving a student who is the bully towards<br />
another child who is the victim. American United Schools has taken a strong stand on p<strong>rev</strong>enting bullying<br />
behaviors in our schools. Examples of physical bullies are those acts using physical aggression, or taking the<br />
victim’s property. Verbal bullies use words to hurt or humiliate another student, with the bully often<br />
saying, “I was only joking.” Relational bullies try to control relationships by persuading some students to<br />
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eject others. Relational bullies commonly spread hurtful rumors. <strong>AUS</strong> High School has a zero tolerance<br />
policy regarding bullying behavior. Reporting bullying is a social responsibility and benefits the victim, the<br />
bully and the entire school community. There will be disciplinary measures taken towards acts of bullying<br />
at <strong>AUS</strong> High School.<br />
Assemblies<br />
Assemblies take place during the school year. Concerts, guest speakers, academic awards, etc. will be<br />
presented for the students’ educational and entertainment value. Student behavior is important to the<br />
success and value of our assemblies. All students are required to follow these guidelines for assemblies:<br />
∑<br />
∑<br />
∑<br />
∑<br />
∑<br />
∑<br />
Take your seat quickly and quietly.<br />
Be quiet when the speaker/performers speak.<br />
Give your full attention to the speaker/performers.<br />
Remain seated until dismissed.<br />
Follow teacher directions for dismissal.<br />
No whistling or other inappropriate behavior.<br />
Cafeteria<br />
Students may bring their lunches from home or they may choose from the many nutritional lunches that<br />
can be purchased in the cafeteria. Lunches must be purchased in advance through the registrar office. The<br />
following expectations apply in enjoying lunchroom privileges:<br />
∑<br />
∑<br />
∑<br />
∑<br />
∑<br />
∑<br />
Deposit all trash in recycle bins.<br />
Leave the table and floor around you in a clean condition for others.<br />
When finished with lunch, students are to report to the designated area. Students are not to be in<br />
the hallways.<br />
Parents must sign in at the Receptionist before going to the cafeteria.<br />
There will be no "cutting" in the cafeteria lines. Students cutting, will be assigned to the end of the<br />
line.<br />
Any student violating the cafeteria rules will receive a consequence.<br />
Lunch Break<br />
During lunch break time, students are to adhere to the following rules/expectations:<br />
∑<br />
∑<br />
∑<br />
∑<br />
∑<br />
∑<br />
∑<br />
No touch policy!<br />
No rough games<br />
No bullying<br />
No fighting<br />
No throwing items<br />
No food or drink allowed outside the cafeteria<br />
No defiance – all requests and directives made my adult supervisors must be adhered to.<br />
Campus Cleanliness<br />
Maintaining the attractive appearance of the campus is the joint responsibility of all members of the<br />
community. Everyone is responsible for disposing of litter properly, whether one’s own or someone else’s.<br />
To minimize the litter on campus, students should keep all personal property in their backpacks. All<br />
students have a responsibility to respect each other’s and the school’s property and, therefore, must<br />
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efrain from writing on, marking, decorating, borrowing without permission, or otherwise defacing school<br />
property or the property of others.<br />
Gum Policy<br />
American United School is a NO gum school. We ask that all members of our school community refrain<br />
from chewing gum in the building. We also reserve the right to ask parties violating this policy to dispose of<br />
the gum appropriately.<br />
Extra-Curricular Activities<br />
Athletics<br />
To be eligible to participate in athletics, a student must be passing all courses and be regular in attendance.<br />
Students who repeat a grade in middle or high school for any reason will be ineligible to participate in<br />
athletics. All students must have a physical examination by a qualified physician prior to participation in<br />
athletics. To be eligible to participate in the first event, the student must have completed nine practices.<br />
Each student is responsible for athletic equipment issued to her/him.<br />
Student Council<br />
Student Council provides opportunities for students to exercise their willingness to serve the school<br />
community, both as representatives and as leaders.<br />
The responsibilities of Student Council are as follows:<br />
∑<br />
∑<br />
∑<br />
∑<br />
∑<br />
Keep and uphold school rules, as well as set positive examples for other students.<br />
Work in collaboration with students, faculty, and administration to generate ideas to improve<br />
student life.<br />
Be active in overseeing, coordinating, planning, and attending middle school assemblies and<br />
activities (dances, spirit days, and so forth) under the supervision of the student council advisors,<br />
the deans, and the head of the middle school.<br />
Meet with the other STUCO members from all three grade levels to discuss events and issues<br />
related to Student Council, the school, and the larger community.<br />
Support the efforts of the community service program at the school through fund-raising and other<br />
outreach events.<br />
Student Council membership is a privilege, and students who do not meet their responsibilities may be<br />
asked to resign.<br />
Discipline Guidelines<br />
<strong>AUS</strong> Administration and Staff have set high expectations for academics and classroom behavior. It is<br />
understood that no student has the right to be disruptive to the degree that he or she may infringe upon<br />
the rights of other students.<br />
Serious violations will be reported immediately to the administration/security and handled with<br />
consideration of student supervision, student safety, respect, confidentiality, detailed and accurate<br />
reporting, and school policies and procedures.<br />
The following are general guidelines and procedures that <strong>AUS</strong> High School Staff will follow in addressing<br />
discipline. Extenuating or mitigating circumstances may result in consequences not listed. This document<br />
is not meant to be all-inclusive; however, it is designed to ensure consistency in our school wide policies<br />
and procedures. Issues not included here will be addressed in a fair and consistent manner.<br />
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Student Action Definition Classification Staff Actions<br />
Administrative<br />
Action<br />
Possible<br />
Interventions<br />
Further Possible<br />
Interventions<br />
Caps, Fireworks,<br />
and Explosives<br />
Use and/or possess a<br />
firecracker/other<br />
explosives, use and or<br />
possess on school<br />
property<br />
Safety<br />
Teacher/Staff<br />
Refers to Office<br />
Principal<br />
Notifies Parents,<br />
Conferences<br />
with Student<br />
Completes<br />
Statement Form<br />
- In-School<br />
Suspension<br />
- Out-of-School<br />
Suspension<br />
- Loss of<br />
Privileges<br />
- Behavior<br />
Contract<br />
- Referral to<br />
Counselor<br />
- Referral to<br />
Principal<br />
- Parent/Principal<br />
Reentry<br />
Conference<br />
- Referral to School<br />
Director<br />
- Expulsion<br />
Discriminatory<br />
Remarks/<br />
Inappropriate<br />
Comments<br />
The use of racially or<br />
culturally motivated<br />
hate language toward<br />
another individual OR<br />
comments that are<br />
considered sexual in<br />
nature<br />
Behavior<br />
Teacher/Staff<br />
Refers to<br />
Counselor<br />
Counselor<br />
Notifies Parents<br />
of Both Parties;<br />
Student Meeting<br />
with Counselor<br />
(who Informs<br />
Principal of<br />
Outcome)<br />
Completes<br />
Statement Form<br />
- Loss of<br />
Privileges<br />
- Restorative<br />
Practices<br />
- In-School<br />
Suspension<br />
- Refer to<br />
Principal<br />
- Out-of-School<br />
Suspension<br />
- possible expulsion<br />
- Referral to School<br />
Director<br />
Student Action Definition Classification Staff Actions<br />
Administrative<br />
Action<br />
Possible<br />
Interventions<br />
Further Possible<br />
Interventions<br />
Disruptive and/or<br />
Inappropriate<br />
Behavior(s)<br />
(3 rd Offense)<br />
Any behavior or<br />
purposeful action<br />
deemed disruptive or<br />
detrimental to the<br />
learning environment<br />
Behavior<br />
Teacher/Staff<br />
Refers to Office<br />
(After 1 st and 2 nd<br />
Offense<br />
Intervention)<br />
Office Staff<br />
Notifies Parents;<br />
Student Meeting<br />
with Principal<br />
and/or Designee<br />
Completes<br />
Statement Form<br />
- In-School<br />
Suspension<br />
- Loss of<br />
Privileges<br />
- Behavior<br />
Contract<br />
- Referral to<br />
Counselor<br />
-Parent and<br />
Principal<br />
Conference<br />
- Out-of-School<br />
Suspension-<br />
- Classroom<br />
Re-entry<br />
Conference<br />
with Parents,<br />
Principal, and<br />
Teacher<br />
Drug, Drug<br />
Paraphernalia,<br />
and/or Alcohol<br />
Possession/Use<br />
Alcohol and/or drugs<br />
and items that can be<br />
used to ingest<br />
unlawful substances<br />
not authorized by a<br />
physician’s<br />
prescription<br />
prohibited on school<br />
property, as well as<br />
the unlawful<br />
us/possession of such<br />
substances on or off<br />
school grounds<br />
Alcohol, Drug<br />
Violation -<br />
Unlawful<br />
Substance<br />
Teacher/Staff<br />
Refers to Office<br />
Principal<br />
Notifies Parents,<br />
Conferences<br />
with Parents,<br />
Student, and<br />
Principal<br />
Completes<br />
Statement Form<br />
- Out-of-School<br />
Suspension<br />
- Loss of<br />
Privileges<br />
- Behavior<br />
Contract<br />
- Referral to<br />
Counselor<br />
- Parent/Principal<br />
Reentry<br />
Conference<br />
- Referral to School<br />
Director<br />
- Expulsion<br />
13
Drug or Alcohol<br />
Distribution<br />
Alcohol or controlled<br />
substances which are<br />
not authorized by a<br />
physician’s<br />
prescription with<br />
intent to sell or<br />
distribute.<br />
Alcohol, Drug<br />
Violation -<br />
Unlawful<br />
Substance<br />
Teacher/Staff<br />
Refers to Office<br />
Principal<br />
Notifies Parents<br />
and Counselor,<br />
Conferences<br />
with Parents,<br />
Student, and<br />
Counselor<br />
Completes<br />
Statement Form<br />
- Out-of-School<br />
Suspension<br />
- Loss of<br />
Privileges<br />
- Behavior<br />
Contract<br />
- Referral to<br />
Counselor<br />
- Parent/Principal<br />
Reentry<br />
Conference<br />
- Referral to School<br />
Director<br />
- Expulsion<br />
Electronic Device<br />
mis-use<br />
Using an<br />
unauthorized<br />
electronic device in<br />
class or in the school<br />
at a time not<br />
approved by a<br />
teacher or Admin.<br />
Behavior<br />
Teacher/Staff<br />
Contacts<br />
Parents;<br />
Conferences<br />
with Student<br />
Refers to<br />
Counselor<br />
Office<br />
Electronic device<br />
is confiscated<br />
until the end of<br />
the day and/or<br />
parent pickup of<br />
device.<br />
Completes<br />
Statement Form<br />
Student Action Definition Classification Staff Actions<br />
Administrative<br />
Action<br />
Possible<br />
Interventions<br />
Further Possible<br />
Interventions<br />
Fighting<br />
Physical<br />
Aggression<br />
Toward Staff<br />
Profanity and/or<br />
Obscenity (3 rd<br />
Offense)<br />
Participation in,<br />
instigating, and/or<br />
aiding a fight<br />
Physically<br />
assaulting/abusing<br />
and/or physically<br />
threatening staff<br />
member on or off<br />
school grounds<br />
and/or in conjunction<br />
w/ a school activity<br />
Continued use of any<br />
inappropriate<br />
language in classroom<br />
or school setting<br />
Assault<br />
Assault<br />
Behavior<br />
Teacher/Staff<br />
Refers to Office<br />
Teacher/Staff<br />
Refers to Office<br />
Teacher/Staff<br />
Refers to Office<br />
(After 1 st and 2 nd<br />
Offense<br />
Interventions)<br />
Principal<br />
Notifies Parents<br />
of Both Parties;<br />
Student &<br />
Parents Meet<br />
with Counselor<br />
and Principal<br />
and/or Designee<br />
Completes<br />
Statement Form<br />
Principal<br />
Notifies Parents<br />
of Both Parties;<br />
Student-Parent-<br />
Principal<br />
Conference<br />
Completes<br />
Statement Form<br />
Office Staff<br />
Notifies Parents,<br />
Conferences<br />
with Student,<br />
Notifies Principal<br />
Completes<br />
Statement Form<br />
- Loss of<br />
Privileges<br />
- Restorative<br />
Practices<br />
- In-School<br />
Suspension<br />
pending<br />
mediation/<br />
intensity)<br />
- Behavior<br />
Contract<br />
- Referral to<br />
Counselor<br />
- Out-of-School<br />
Suspension<br />
- Out-of-School<br />
Suspension<br />
- Loss of<br />
Privileges<br />
- Behavior<br />
Contract<br />
- Referral to<br />
Counselor<br />
- Parent/Principal<br />
Conference<br />
- Mediation<br />
- Restorative<br />
Practice<br />
- In-School<br />
Suspension<br />
- Loss of<br />
Privileges<br />
- Behavior<br />
Contract<br />
- Referral to<br />
Counselor<br />
- Referral to<br />
- Out-of-School<br />
Suspension<br />
- Expulsion<br />
- Referral to School<br />
Director<br />
- Expulsion<br />
- Referral to School<br />
Director<br />
- Out-of-School<br />
Suspension<br />
- Classroom<br />
Reentry<br />
Conference<br />
with Parents,<br />
Principal, and<br />
Teacher<br />
14
Profanity and/or<br />
Obscenity<br />
Directed Toward<br />
Staff (Including<br />
Gestures)<br />
Use of any<br />
inappropriate<br />
language directed<br />
toward staff<br />
Behavior<br />
Teacher/Staff<br />
Refers to Office<br />
Student Action Definition Classification Staff Actions<br />
Principal<br />
Notifies Parents,<br />
Student Meeting<br />
with Principal<br />
and/or Designee<br />
Completes<br />
Statement Form<br />
Administrative<br />
Action<br />
Principal<br />
- Parent and<br />
Principal<br />
Conference<br />
- In-School<br />
Suspension<br />
- Out-of-School<br />
Suspension<br />
- Loss of<br />
Privileges<br />
- Behavior<br />
Contract<br />
- Referral to<br />
Counselor<br />
- Parent and<br />
Principal<br />
Conference<br />
- Restorative<br />
Practice<br />
Possible<br />
Interventions<br />
- Out-of-School<br />
Suspension<br />
-Classroom and<br />
School<br />
Reentry<br />
Conference<br />
with Parents,<br />
Principal, and<br />
Teacher<br />
Further Possible<br />
Interventions<br />
Safety Infraction<br />
Theft<br />
Any willful violation<br />
of safety procedures,<br />
such as classroom<br />
safety procedures, PE,<br />
and vocational safety<br />
guidelines, as well as<br />
willful violation of<br />
emergency protocols<br />
Stealing property<br />
belonging to another<br />
person and/or<br />
stealing property<br />
belonging to the<br />
school<br />
Behavior<br />
Theft<br />
Teacher/Staff<br />
Refers to<br />
Counselor<br />
Teacher/Staff<br />
Refers to<br />
Counselor<br />
Counselor<br />
Notifies Parents<br />
of Both Parties;<br />
Student Meeting<br />
with Counselor<br />
(who Informs<br />
Principal of<br />
Outcome)<br />
Completes<br />
Statement Form<br />
Counselor<br />
Notifies Parents<br />
of Both Parties;<br />
Student Meeting<br />
with Counselor<br />
(who Informs<br />
Principal of<br />
Outcome)<br />
Completes<br />
Statement Form<br />
- Loss of<br />
Privileges<br />
- Restorative<br />
Practices<br />
- In-School<br />
Suspension<br />
- Refer to<br />
Principal<br />
- Parent<br />
Conference<br />
- Loss of<br />
Privileges<br />
- Restitution<br />
- Restorative<br />
Practices<br />
- In-School<br />
Suspension<br />
- Referral to<br />
Principal<br />
- Out-of-School<br />
Suspension<br />
- Out-of-School<br />
Suspension<br />
- Loss of Privileges<br />
- Restitution<br />
- Referral to School<br />
Director<br />
Tobacco<br />
Possession/Use<br />
Tobacco<br />
Sale/Distribution<br />
The unlawful use of<br />
tobacco by a minor<br />
The unlawful sale or<br />
distribution of<br />
tobacco by a minor<br />
Tobacco -<br />
Unlawful<br />
Substance<br />
Tobacco -<br />
Unlawful<br />
Substance<br />
Teacher/Staff<br />
Refers to Office<br />
Teacher/Staff<br />
Refers to Office<br />
Counselor<br />
Notifies Parents,<br />
Conferences<br />
with Parents and<br />
Students and<br />
Notifies Principal<br />
of Outcome<br />
Completes<br />
Statement Form<br />
Principal<br />
Notifies Parents<br />
and Counselor,<br />
Conferences<br />
with Parents,<br />
Student, and<br />
Counselor<br />
Completes<br />
Statement Form<br />
- In-School<br />
Suspension<br />
- Loss of<br />
Privileges<br />
- Behavior<br />
Contract<br />
- Referral to<br />
Counselor<br />
- Parent/Principal<br />
Conference<br />
- Out-of-School<br />
Suspension<br />
- Loss of<br />
Privileges<br />
- Behavior<br />
Contract<br />
- Referral to<br />
Counselor<br />
- Parent/Principal<br />
Conference<br />
- Out-of-School<br />
Suspension<br />
- Referral to School<br />
Director<br />
- Referral to School<br />
Director<br />
- Expulsion<br />
15
Uniform<br />
Violation<br />
Students not wearing<br />
the designated school<br />
uniform.<br />
Behavior<br />
Teacher/Staff<br />
Contacts<br />
Parents;<br />
Conferences<br />
with Student<br />
Refers to<br />
Counselor<br />
Counselor<br />
Notifies Parents,<br />
Conferences<br />
with Parents and<br />
Students and<br />
Notifies Principal<br />
of Outcome.<br />
Completes<br />
Statement Form<br />
- In School<br />
Suspension<br />
- Loss of<br />
privileges<br />
- Referral to<br />
counselor<br />
Student Action Definition Classification Staff Actions<br />
Administrative<br />
Action<br />
Possible<br />
Interventions<br />
Further Possible<br />
Interventions<br />
Verbal Abuse<br />
and/or Verbal<br />
Threat/Intimidation<br />
NOT Directed<br />
at Staff (1 st<br />
Offense) –<br />
Includes Name<br />
Calling, Teasing,<br />
Taunting,<br />
Gesturing, or<br />
Cyberbullying<br />
Threatening,<br />
insulting, or any<br />
manner of written<br />
(electronic, paper)<br />
and/or verbal abuse<br />
or mistreatment of<br />
another person.<br />
Bullying/<br />
Intimidating<br />
Teacher/Staff<br />
Contacts<br />
Parents;<br />
Conferences<br />
with Student<br />
Completes<br />
Statement Form<br />
Verbal Abuse<br />
and/or Verbal<br />
Threat/Intimidation<br />
NOT Directed<br />
at Staff (2 nd<br />
Offense) –<br />
Includes Name<br />
Calling, Teasing,<br />
Taunting,<br />
Gesturing, or<br />
Cyberbullying<br />
Threatening,<br />
insulting, or any<br />
manner of written<br />
(electronic, paper)<br />
and/or verbal abuse<br />
or mistreatment of<br />
another person.<br />
Bullying/<br />
Intimidating<br />
Teacher/Staff<br />
Refers to<br />
Counselor (After<br />
1 st Offense<br />
Intervention)<br />
Counselor<br />
Notifies Parents<br />
of Both Parties;<br />
Student Meeting<br />
with Counselor<br />
(who Informs<br />
Principal of<br />
Outcome)<br />
Completes<br />
Statement Form<br />
- Loss of<br />
Privileges<br />
- Restorative<br />
Practice<br />
Verbal Abuse<br />
and/or Verbal<br />
Threat/Intimidation<br />
NOT Directed<br />
at Staff (3 rd<br />
Offense) –<br />
Includes Name<br />
Calling, Teasing,<br />
Taunting,<br />
Gesturing, or<br />
Cyberbullying<br />
Threatening,<br />
insulting, or any<br />
manner of written<br />
(electronic, paper)<br />
and/or verbal abuse<br />
or mistreatment of<br />
another person.<br />
Bullying/<br />
Intimidating<br />
Teacher/Staff<br />
Refers to Office<br />
Principal<br />
Notifies Parents<br />
of Both Parties;<br />
Conferences<br />
with Students<br />
Completes<br />
Statement Form<br />
- In-School<br />
Suspension<br />
- Loss of<br />
Privileges<br />
- Behavior<br />
Contract<br />
- Referral to<br />
Counselor<br />
- Out-of-School<br />
Suspension<br />
- Classroom<br />
Reentry<br />
Conference<br />
With Parents,<br />
Principal, and<br />
Teacher<br />
16
Verbal Abuse<br />
and/or Verbal<br />
Threat/Intimidati<br />
on Directed at<br />
Staff– Includes<br />
Name Calling,<br />
Teasing,<br />
Taunting,<br />
Gesturing, or<br />
Cyberbullying<br />
Use of any<br />
inappropriate<br />
language directed<br />
toward adults<br />
Behavior<br />
Teacher/Staff<br />
Refer to Office<br />
Principal<br />
Notifies Parents<br />
of Both Parties;<br />
Student-Parent-<br />
Principal<br />
Conference<br />
Completes<br />
Statement Form<br />
- In-School<br />
Suspension<br />
- Out-of-School<br />
Suspension<br />
- Loss of<br />
Privileges<br />
- Behavior<br />
Contract<br />
- Referral to<br />
Counselor<br />
- Parent/Principal<br />
Conference<br />
- Mediation<br />
- Restorative<br />
Practice<br />
- Out-of-School<br />
Suspension<br />
- Classroom and<br />
School<br />
Reentry<br />
Conference<br />
With Parents,<br />
Principal, and<br />
Teacher<br />
Student Action Definition Classification Staff Actions<br />
Administrative<br />
Action<br />
Possible<br />
Interventions<br />
Further Possible<br />
Interventions<br />
Vandalism and<br />
/or Graffiti<br />
The willful or<br />
unintended<br />
destruction and/or<br />
defacement of school<br />
property<br />
Vandalism<br />
Teacher/Staff<br />
Refers to Office<br />
Office Staff<br />
Notifies Parents<br />
and Sets Parent<br />
Conference with<br />
Principal<br />
Completes<br />
Statement Form<br />
- In-School<br />
Suspension<br />
- Loss of<br />
Privileges<br />
- Behavior<br />
Contract<br />
- Restitution<br />
- Referral to<br />
Counselor<br />
- Parent/Principal<br />
Conference<br />
- Out-of-School<br />
Suspension<br />
- Referral to School<br />
Director<br />
- Expulsion<br />
- Restitution<br />
Weapons<br />
Weapons Replica,<br />
Makeshift<br />
Weapon<br />
Carrying, possessing,<br />
handling, using,<br />
and/or storing<br />
firearms, knives of a<br />
certain length, or any<br />
other implement<br />
which can be used in<br />
a dangerous or lethal<br />
way.<br />
Any item that appears<br />
to be a real weapon<br />
but is not considered<br />
a dangerous weapon<br />
which is not selfreported<br />
Weapon<br />
Weapon<br />
Teacher/Staff<br />
Refers to Office<br />
Teacher/Staff<br />
Refers to Office<br />
Principal<br />
Notifies Parents,<br />
Law<br />
Enforcement and<br />
Counselor;<br />
Conferences<br />
with Parents,<br />
Student, and<br />
Counselor<br />
Completes<br />
Statement Form<br />
Principal<br />
Notifies Parents,<br />
Possibly Law<br />
Enforcement,<br />
and Counselor;<br />
Conferences<br />
with Parents,<br />
Student, and<br />
Counselor<br />
Completes<br />
Statement Form<br />
- Referral to<br />
School Director<br />
- Expulsion<br />
- Out-of-School<br />
Suspension<br />
- Behavior<br />
Contract<br />
- Referral to<br />
Counselor<br />
- Parent/Principal<br />
Conference<br />
- Loss of privilege<br />
- Referral to School<br />
Director<br />
- Expulsion<br />
<strong>17</strong>
School Bus Disciplinary Plan<br />
The principal/designee has the authority to suspend a student from the bus and to determine the<br />
length of the suspension.<br />
Disciplinary Plan<br />
When a principal/designee receives a school bus incident report, the administrator may use the<br />
following disciplinary plan:<br />
∑ 1st Offense: A warning to the student with a report to the parent/guardian will be issued. It is expected the<br />
parent/guardian will work with the student to help p<strong>rev</strong>ent a recurrence.<br />
∑<br />
∑<br />
∑<br />
2nd Offense: Disciplinary action will be taken at the discretion of the principal, depending on the seriousness<br />
of the infraction. A report to the parent/guardian will be made.<br />
3rd Offense: Suspension of riding privileges will result. The length of suspension will depend on the<br />
seriousness of the infraction. A report to the parent/guardian will be made.<br />
Severe Disruption and Dangerous Behavior: will result in immediate suspension of transportation privileges.<br />
This may include, but is not limited to the following:<br />
Grading Policy<br />
1. Physical harm to any student.<br />
2. Physical harm to the driver/attendant.<br />
3. Physical harm to the bus.<br />
Rationale<br />
1. Grading and promotion within the American United School of Kuwait will be based upon the degree<br />
of success an individual student has achieved in completing the educational program designed to<br />
meet his/her unique needs.<br />
2. Every student will have the opportunity to earn grades that reflect his/her ability to demonstrate<br />
learning outcomes and be graded only in accordance with their achievement on material or<br />
information based on specified learning outcomes and approved curricula.<br />
3. The bell curve will not be used as a basis for determining student grades.<br />
Grading Elements<br />
The grading scale for high school at <strong>AUS</strong> consists of sections for letter grades, percent grades, 4.0 scales,<br />
and Advance Placement (AP) courses on a 5.0 scale.<br />
Reporting and Recording Grades<br />
1. Reporting<br />
a. In reporting to parents/guardians, a letter grade is used to indicate the performance of each<br />
student in relation to the attainment of learning outcomes and approved curricula.<br />
b. Letter grades will be used on report cards for all courses four times a year.<br />
c. Within the first fifteen (15) days of each course, teachers must communicate in writing the<br />
school grading procedures, grading factors, and weight assigned to each factor to students<br />
and parents.<br />
d. A student enrolled in a course for twenty-one (21) days or more after the start of the course<br />
must receive a letter grade for that grading period.<br />
18
2. Recording<br />
a. Teachers will maintain a record of each student’s work, progress, and attendance on a daily<br />
basis on Portal. Teachers are to update Portal by Wednesday of each week.<br />
b. Teachers must assess a variety of student performances such as written assignments,<br />
homework, projects, classroom participation/class work, quizzes, tests, and end of<br />
quarter/semester examinations. Teachers should consider such factors as preparation, daily<br />
work habits, quality, and completeness of assignments in evaluating student performance.<br />
The Administration will ensure that all teachers apply these procedures in determining<br />
grades.<br />
c. Teachers must record a minimum of two grades per week on Portal (depending on<br />
pedagogy framework of unit plans); more than three is highly recommended. If a class<br />
meets once per week, then only one grade per week minimum is required.<br />
d. Teachers must return graded papers and assignments in order to provide on-going, timely<br />
feedback to students and parents. A portfolio assessment of each student’s work is<br />
recommended as additional documentation of student performance.<br />
e. Teachers will grade and give a score for all student assignments.<br />
f. A student will receive a failing grade (“F”) for assignments, test, or quizzes when the<br />
following occurs:<br />
i. A student has cheated on a test, quiz, or assigned project.<br />
ii. A student fails to produce work within an assigned timeframe.<br />
iii. A student who has an excused absence fails to produce make-up work in a<br />
reasonable timeframe.<br />
iv. A student has an unexcused absence.<br />
v. A student does not demonstrate satisfactory progress at the level of instruction<br />
indicated. (Below 65%)<br />
vi. If a student does not work on the task/assessment, the teacher will assign a zero. If a<br />
teacher determines that the student did not attempt to meet the basic requirement<br />
of the task/assessment, the teacher may assign a zero. This does not preclude<br />
teachers from giving daily markdowns to give students every opportunity to<br />
complete an assignment before giving a zero for the assignment.<br />
vii.<br />
Late work will not be given full credit and teachers will reduce or deduct 10pts. off<br />
each day an assignment is late. Teachers have the discretion to determine the final<br />
mark.<br />
g. Grades will not include systemic assessments that are a part of benchmarking measures<br />
(MAP testing).<br />
h. In the event of extenuating circumstances occurring at the end of the semester, individual<br />
students may be exempted from final examinations upon the recommendation of the<br />
teacher and with the written approval of the Administration and the Director.<br />
Grading – Excused Absences<br />
1. Students who have an excused absence from a class will have the opportunity to make up missed<br />
assignments.<br />
2. Teachers are required to provide make-up work (within 2 school days) when requested for students<br />
who have an excused absence; including suspensions.<br />
3. For all suspensions, teachers are required to provide make-up work and assignments to all<br />
students, unless other educational alternatives are provided. It is the responsibility of the<br />
parent(s)/guardian(s) to contact the school and make arrangements.<br />
4. Students who have an excused absence may not be penalized for work requested but not provided<br />
by the school for periods of such excused absence.<br />
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5. The number of days allowed to make up missed work will be equivalent to the number of days of<br />
excused absences. This timeline will begin when the teacher provides the student with the<br />
assignments within 2 school days of the return. Students who fail to complete missed assignments<br />
within the allotted time will receive 0 (zero) for each assignment.<br />
6. If students with excused absences return to school near the end of the quarter or semester and do<br />
not have sufficient time as described above to make up the missed work, and (“I”) grade will be<br />
assigned.<br />
a. The student’s average for the p<strong>rev</strong>ious quarter (the quarter in which the (“I”) grade was<br />
assigned) will be recalculated and changed on the report card by the next semester.<br />
7. In the second semester report card, if an (“I”) grade would otherwise have been assigned, teachers<br />
will use all existing grades to determine the student’s final grade at the administrator’s discretion.<br />
Grading – Unexcused Absences<br />
1. In High School, a student with unexcused absences will receive a “failing” grade for any day(s) of<br />
such absence(s). The failing grades will be averaged with other daily grades.<br />
Determining Final Grades<br />
CURRICULUM & GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS<br />
American United School was founded on a basic principle. The American United School faculty, as well as<br />
the curriculum and instructional model have been designed to give the support and information to<br />
empower each student to find success, achievement and mastery of the skills, attitudes and objectives in<br />
order to move on to the next grade level. As an American school, mastery of Arabic and English is required<br />
for all students. The High School programs foster the development of confident, capable and responsible<br />
students. We achieve our goals collaboratively, by establishing rigorous standards, which engage learners<br />
in the thoughtful application of knowledge. American United School aspires to instill the necessity of<br />
lifelong learning in all of its students.<br />
1. Advanced Placement Courses:<br />
American United School participates in the Advanced Placement (AP) Program sponsored by College Board<br />
in the United States. These AP courses are equivalent to freshman year, one semester, university courses<br />
and are intended for students who have proven themselves able to handle the extra workload and study<br />
requirements.<br />
AP Students are required to take the AP exam from the College Board at the end of the year. These exams<br />
are scored with a 1-5 mark. Scores of three or higher can result in the American universities awarding<br />
credit, exemption from courses, or advanced standing. Students will be required to pay a fee for this exam.<br />
When selecting AP courses, students must carefully consider the extra time commitment to these<br />
courses. They are very demanding and may involve extensive homework and self-directed study. AP<br />
courses are offered based upon student interest. To enter an AP course, students must meet the <strong>AUS</strong><br />
criteria in the prerequisite course and receive recommendation by appropriate teacher.<br />
If a student chooses not to take the AP exam, the following steps apply:<br />
• They are still required to pay for the exam as it was ordered for them.<br />
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• “AP” designation will be removed from their transcript.<br />
• The AP weighting of grades will be removed from their transcript.<br />
• The student will contact all universities they applied to and inform the school of their withdrawal<br />
from an AP course.<br />
• <strong>AUS</strong> will contact all schools the student applied to and inform the schools of the student’s withdrawal<br />
from an AP course.<br />
2. Prerequisites:<br />
A prerequisite involves information required before a course can be taken. This may involve an end of<br />
course or placement exam, MAP requirement skill level, minimum grade, experience, and teacher<br />
recommendation. Prerequisites are listed under the title of each course and should be noted by students<br />
when they select courses. Pre-requisites are typically required in AP-level or accelerated, higher level<br />
courses. Some courses require that a student meet a certain criteria in courses from grades 9 and 10. It is<br />
important to be aware of these requirements in order to plan ahead.<br />
3. Grading System:<br />
Grades are reported using a letter grade system based on the following conversion tables:<br />
PERCENTAGE LETTER GRADE GPA AP GPA<br />
97 – 100 A+ 4.0 5.0<br />
93 – 96 A 4.0 5.0<br />
90 – 92 A- 3.7 4.7<br />
87 – 89 B+ 3.3 4.3<br />
83 – 86 B 3.0 4.0<br />
80 – 82 B- 2.7 3.7<br />
77 – 79 C+ 2.3 3.3<br />
73 – 76 C 2.0 3.0<br />
70 – 72 C- 1.7 2.7<br />
67 – 69 D+ 1.3 2.3<br />
63 – 66 D 1.0 2.0<br />
60 - 62 D- 1.0 2.0<br />
59 and below F 0.0 0.0<br />
The letter grade (I) is assigned to the student not completing all the requirements of the course due to<br />
extra-ordinary reasons acceptable by the administration. A student must complete the missing<br />
requirements within the deadlines set by the administration. If the student fails to complete these<br />
requirements within the set deadline, the students may receive an F for the course.<br />
4. Evaluation and Reports:<br />
Assessments of student achievement is based on informal observation and supervision of class work and<br />
homework. In addition, formal assessments may include oral recitations, presentations, quizzes, announced<br />
tests, project and performance based assessments, reports, quarterly, and semester examinations.<br />
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Students will receive a progress report four times per year (fall midterm, end of first semester, spring<br />
midterm and second semester). These reports give the results of the continuous assessment and help<br />
diagnose the student's progress. Parents are invited to meet their son’s/daughter’s teachers to find ways<br />
to help improve the student’s performance.<br />
The final promotion decision recorded on the final report card is issued in June.<br />
5. Course Work:<br />
Grades are based on student participation, quizzes, projects, reports, tests, observations, and other forms of<br />
formative and summative assessments.<br />
6. High School Diploma Requirements:<br />
To earn the American United High School Diploma, students must achieve the following:<br />
a. A record of regular attendance<br />
b. An acceptable behavior record<br />
c. The minimum number of credits required per the selected graduation tracks explained below:<br />
In averaging grades, the letter grades are translated to the traditional four-point scale if you are taking<br />
regular courses and a five-point scale for AP courses with a three or higher earned on the AP assessment.<br />
The average grade is computed by adding the numerical equivalent for all letter grades and dividing by the<br />
number of grading periods.<br />
Grade Point Average (GPA)<br />
1. The above mentioned numerical equivalents will be used in computing the GPA from report card<br />
letter grades.<br />
2. The following grades are not included in GPA calculations:<br />
a. (“I”)<br />
b. (“F”)<br />
Principal’s List/Honor Roll<br />
1. The purpose of the school wide principal’s list/honor roll program is to recognize and honor High<br />
School students who have attained outstanding academic success and to provide positive<br />
reinforcement that inspires all students to strive even harder and perform at their highest level in<br />
all subjects.<br />
2. The <strong>AUS</strong> High School will implement this honor roll system that recognizes students for high<br />
academic achievement at the end of each quarter during the school year. The school recognizes<br />
students’ for performance at two levels: Principal’s List and Honor Roll.<br />
3. Students’ qualifying for each level of honor roll will be identified based on grades entered on<br />
student report cards in High School. The following criteria will be used to identify students at each<br />
level:<br />
a. Principal’s List: Students with at least a 3.7+ GPA with no grade on the report card below an<br />
(“A”).<br />
b. Honor Roll: Students with a 3.3 - 3.6 GPA with no grade on the report card below a (“B”).<br />
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Report Cards<br />
1. Report cards for High School will be distributed four times a year on a quarterly basis.<br />
2. Progress reports will be issued each mid-quarter.<br />
3. The following information will appear on the High School report card:<br />
a. School Name<br />
b. Academic Year<br />
c. Course Titles<br />
d. Course Grades Earned<br />
e. Student Grade Level<br />
f. Absences from School<br />
g. Tardiness from School<br />
h. Teacher’s Names<br />
i. Grade Point Average (GPA)<br />
j. Comments<br />
Parent Conferences<br />
1. By the end of the first semester, teachers in High School will conduct a conference with every<br />
parent to discuss every student’s achievement and school performance.<br />
2. Parent conferences are encouraged at any time during the school year if the conference will<br />
enhance a parent’s understanding of and support for their child’s schoolwork and school<br />
performance.<br />
Homework<br />
1. Homework is a school related assignment which requires time and effort outside the regular<br />
classroom.<br />
2. Homework shall be meaningful and have purpose aligned to Common Core Curriculum.<br />
3. Homework shall be prescriptive and differentiated to meet the needs of teachers’ diverse student<br />
populations.<br />
4. Assignments may vary upon subject, but need to be designed so students may do one or more of<br />
the following:<br />
a. Practice and reinforce fundamental skills to meet course objectives.<br />
b. Aid in processing needed information to demonstrate mastery.<br />
c. Provide an opportunity to increase their learning ability through independent experiences<br />
with resources found outside of a classroom setting.<br />
d. Develop regular study habits, responsibility, and self-discipline, which are needed skills to<br />
budget their time effectively and work independently.<br />
e. Engage in shared learning experiences with family.<br />
f. Enhance concepts taught in class and may reinforce real world applications.<br />
g. Late work will not be given full credit and teachers will reduce or deduct 10pts. off each day<br />
an assignment is late. Teachers have the discretion to determine the final mark.<br />
5. Communication between students and teachers should be established concerning individual<br />
circumstances that may exist within families. Students should be able to complete assignments<br />
independently.<br />
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High School Overview<br />
1. The goal of grading and reporting is to provide the students with feedback that reflects their<br />
progress toward the mastery of the indicators and objectives found in the Common Core<br />
Curriculum Framework.<br />
Categories<br />
1. Formative (45%): Formative Assessment is part of the instructional process. When incorporated<br />
into classroom practice, it provides the information needed to adjust teaching and learning while<br />
they are happening, at a point when timely adjustments can be made. Formative assessment is<br />
student practice, student involvement, and teachers providing descriptive feedback.<br />
2. Summative (55%): Summative Assessments are given periodically to determine at a particular point<br />
in time what students know and do not know, help evaluate the effectiveness of programs, school<br />
improvement goals, and/or student placement in specific programs. (Each QUARTER all students<br />
will take an End of Quarter Assessment, which will account for 15% of their Summative grade).<br />
FACTORS BRIEF DESCRIPTION CONTENT<br />
WEIGHT<br />
HOMEWORK<br />
(FORMATIVE)<br />
This includes all work completed outside the classroom to be graded on<br />
its completion and student’s preparation for class (materials, supplies,<br />
10%<br />
CLASSWORK<br />
(FORMATIVE<br />
PERFORMANCE<br />
BASED<br />
ASSESSMENTS<br />
(SUMMATIVE)<br />
CULMINATING<br />
TEST AND/OR<br />
PERFORMANCE<br />
PROJECTS<br />
(SUMMATIVE)<br />
etc.) and other tasks as assigned.<br />
This includes all work completed in the classroom setting including:<br />
∑ Group participation<br />
∑ Notebooks<br />
∑ Warm-ups<br />
∑ Vocabulary<br />
∑ Group discussions<br />
∑ Active participation in projects<br />
∑ Completion of assignments<br />
∑ Other tasks as assigned<br />
This includes assessments that are written, oral, and performance based<br />
including:<br />
∑ Tests & quizzes<br />
∑ Portfolios<br />
∑ Research and/or projects<br />
∑ Oral Presentations<br />
∑ Other tasks as assigned<br />
This includes:<br />
∑ Unit assessments<br />
∑ Unit portfolios<br />
∑ Research and/or projects<br />
∑ Oral presentations<br />
∑ End-of-unit assessments<br />
∑ Chapter tests<br />
∑ End-of-semester exams<br />
∑ Other assessments as assigned<br />
∑ END OF QUARTER ASSESSMENT<br />
(Will account for 15% of Summative Grade)<br />
35%<br />
30%<br />
25%<br />
*A minimum of three formative grades must be entered weekly (depending on framework of pedagogical lesson).<br />
**A minimum of one summative grade must be entered per Unit.<br />
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APPENDIX<br />
2016 – 20<strong>17</strong> High School Academic Calendar<br />
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Declaration of Reading the Handbook<br />
American United School of Kuwait<br />
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High School Handbook<br />
Please read the <strong>AUS</strong> High School Handbook. After you have done so, please remove this page from the<br />
handbook, sign the following statement and turn it in to the main office.<br />
I have read, I understand and I agree to follow the guidelines set down in the American United High<br />
School Handbook.<br />
__________________________________<br />
Parent/s Signature<br />
______________________________<br />
Date (dd/mm/yy)<br />
__________________________________<br />
Parent/s Printed Name<br />
__________________________________<br />
Student Signature<br />
(All high school students must<br />
sign along with their parents)<br />
______________________________<br />
Student Printed Name<br />
__________________________________<br />
Additional Student in Same Family Signature<br />
______________________________<br />
Student Printed Name<br />
__________________________________<br />
Additional Student in Same Family Signature<br />
______________________________<br />
Student Printed Name<br />
Please remove this page and submit it to the <strong>AUS</strong> High School Office.<br />
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />
Office Use Only Date submitted<br />
______________________________<br />
dd/mm/yy<br />
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